In addition to the application requirements outlined on our Apply Now page, international students should review the English-language proficiency and international transcript requirements outlined below.
Graduate Admissions Committees meet on an ongoing basis, and admission decisions are made after a full evaluation of each candidate’s application and supporting materials. Admission is normally granted for September, January, and May of each year.
After being offered admission to a program, you will be asked to submit an international student data form and proof that you can fund all tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for the duration of your studies.
Please note: Metropolitan College does not sponsor visas for full-time on-campus study in undergraduate programs (degree or non-degree).
Start Your Application
If you are planning to study at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) on an F-1 visa, you will need to maintain full-time status (at least 12 credits). Those studying online do not qualify for visa sponsorship.
Admitted international applicants who require a student visa should review the section below, “Obtaining a Visa,” which highlights important documentation requirements and deadlines.
English Proficiency Requirements
In addition to completing an Application for Graduate Admission, international applicants must submit proof of English proficiency by submitting official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test. Acceptable minimum scores are listed below. Official scores are valid for review for up to two years.
The language proficiency requirement will be waived for applicants whose native language is English, or for applicants who have received, or expect to receive, an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university where the primary language of instruction is English. A waiver will also be granted to applicants who are part of a 2+2 dual-degree program in which coursework is taught entirely in English. If your transcript does not clearly state that the language of instruction is English, then please upload supporting documentation on institutional letterhead along with your transcript.
The admissions committee reserves the right to request an English proficiency exam score upon review of all submitted application documents.
Minimum TOEFL Requirements
MET’s minimum total internet-based TOEFL score is 84, with minimum scores in each section as follows:
- Reading—21
- Listening—18
- Speaking—23
- Writing—22
The ETS TOEFL institution code for all Boston University Graduate Programs is 3087.
MET also accepts the TOEFL Essentials exam with a minimum score of 9. The minimum score in each section is as follows:
- Reading—9
- Listening—8.5
- Speaking—9
- Writing—9
Minimum IELTS Requirements
Scores from the IELTS are accepted as proof of English proficiency. The minimum total band score of 6.5 is required for admission to Metropolitan College, along with scores of 6.5 in each section: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
To share your IELTS scores with MET, please take both the following steps:
- Self-report your IELTS scores in the “Standardized Tests” section of the application. When prompted, be sure to include your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) number (15–18 digits) located in the bottom right-hand corner of your score report. This must be listed for your official scores to be matched to your application.
- Then, navigate to the IELTS website and request that your official scores be released to “Boston University Graduate Programs.”
Minimum Duolingo Requirements
Scores from the Duolingo English Test are accepted as proof of English proficiency. A minimum score of 115 is required for admission to Metropolitan College. The Admissions Committee will also review subscores for consistency within each subject area.
Applicants submitting Duolingo scores must send the following information to met@bu.edu, using “DUOLINGO Test Result” as the email subject line:
- First and last name
- Date of birth
- Date of Duolingo English Test
Duolingo English Test results are made available 48 hours after the completion of an exam and may take 2–3 business days to process in our office.
Transcripts
The Admissions Committee recommends an official evaluation of all international transcripts from a NACES member evaluation organization. The three organizations below will all submit official evaluations electronically to Boston University Metropolitan College:
- Spantran – Following this link for Spantran will bring you to a BU MET specific application, which comes with a small discount for our students.
- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
- World Education Services
If you have questions about transcript evaluations, please contact the Admissions staff for your program of interest.
Obtaining a Visa
Once you are accepted into a course of study through Metropolitan College, the academic department to which you have been admitted will work to assist you in the visa application process.
The following documents should be submitted electronically to the department:
- International Student Data Form
- Authorized financial statement from a bank (original, shown in US dollars)
- Copy of current I-20 and I-94, both sides (if applicable)
- Letter of financial support from a sponsor (firm, government, parents, etc.)
- Notarized English translations of all documents not in English
Metropolitan College works with the Boston University International Student & Scholars Office (ISSO) to issue visa sponsorship documents to admitted students. Once you receive these documents, you can make an appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate to request a visa.
Form I-20 Request Deadlines
As visa processing can take several months, incoming students requiring a student visa should submit all required immigration documentation to MET as early as possible and no later than the deadlines indicated below.
- If you are not currently studying in the US and need to apply for a student visa, you should submit documents at least three months prior to each start term, and no later than:
- July 1 (fall)
- November 15 (spring)
- March 15 (summer)
- If you are currently studying in the US on an F-1 visa and plan to transfer your SEVIS record*, you should submit documents at least two months prior to each start term, and no later than:
- August 1 (fall)
- December 15 (spring)
- April 15 (summer)
*Your SEVIS record associated with your prior institution must be transferred to BU during your 60-day grace period following your prior program’s completion.
Students who do not meet these deadlines will be required to defer their admission offer to a future entry term.
Medical Insurance
Both Massachusetts state and federal law require all international students to enroll in a health insurance plan that meets strict minimum requirements. All Boston University students are automatically enrolled each year in the Boston University Student Medical Insurance Plan administered by Aetna Student Health.
If you do not wish to participate in the Boston University Medical Insurance Plan, you must annually file a Medical Insurance Waiver of Enrollment. For more information, visit Student Accounting Services’ medical insurance page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must I submit the International Student Data Form and the required financial documentation with my application?
All international applicants who are offered admission and accept their offer are then required to submit the completed International Applicant Coversheet or International Student Data Form with required passport/visa documentation. Applicants offered admission will be immediately notified by email and given instructions on how to submit this documentation.
Can I apply for an application fee waiver?
No. Metropolitan College only offers application fee waivers for US veterans, Boston University employees, and domestic applicants who have demonstrated significant financial need.
Does my transcript have to be in English?
Yes, all submitted transcripts must be in English. If you are submitting a transcript that is not in English, you must submit a certified evaluation of the transcript and degrees awarded (more information below).
Do I need to obtain a WES/ECE evaluation?
The WES/ECE evaluation is not a required component of the application, except for transcripts that are not in English (see question above). If you have attended an institution that is not located within the United States, we request that you upload your unofficial transcript in the appropriate section of your application. The admissions office may contact you at the time of review if a WES/ECE evaluation is necessary.
What forms of financial support are acceptable?
For information on required financial documentation requirements, visit the University’s International Students & Scholars Office website.
As noted on their site, all declarations of financial support must:
- Reflect the minimum amount of support in US dollars.
- Specify funding for study at Boston University (not another college or university).
- Include a date and be no older than one year from the intended date of enrollment.
- Indicate the period of time for which the support will be provided.
- Be written in English.
- Reflect funds that are readily available for tuition payments (i.e., checking or savings accounts). Certain investment accounts such as stocks, salary documents, or property holdings do not reflect available funds and will not be accepted.
It is recommended that prospective students request three sets of financial documents: one to submit to Boston University, one to provide the US Embassy or Consulate to which they will apply for the visa, and one to retain for their records (and to present at the US Port of Entry if requested).
How much are the estimated costs that have to be covered by financial support?
The International Students & Scholars Office provides estimated expenses for international students on the Charles River Campus that should be sufficient for one year of attendance at Boston University. Please be aware that this estimate is updated on a yearly basis. If the estimate posted on the website is for a previous academic year, you should expect an increase and submit financial support documents accordingly.